Recycled Future

A NEW water-recycling initiative will provide high quality water to the Bellarine, unlocking new agricultural and horticulture production opportunities including wineries and farm gate tourism.

Water Minister Lisa Neville announced the state government would invest almost $2 million towards Barwon Water’s $11.1 million water reclamation plant at Portarlington.

“We have been working with Bellarine Peninsula farmers and Barwon Water over the past four years to understand the best way to support our businesses, this involved improving the quality of recycled water and making more of it available,” Ms Neville said.

“The project will secure year-round access to water for local producers in times of lower than average rainfall, giving them confidence to grow their businesses in the region,” she said.

The new infrastructure will provide water security for local farmers and businesses, with a guaranteed high-quality water supply irrespective of seasonal conditions.

The future of key local industries will be secured, dozens of local jobs will be created, and reliance on drinking water for agriculture will be reduced, while preserving Bellarine Peninsula’s unique landscape.

The innovative project involves installing an ultra-filtration and reverse osmosis plant to produce fit-for-purpose recycled water at a significantly lower salinity than the existing high salinity Class C water.

The upgrade will improve water quality allowing it to be used for a wider range of agricultural purposes.

Barwon Water plans to supply 450 megalitres of low salinity, fit-for-purpose recycled water per year to new and existing agricultural and horticultural customers, nearly doubling the amount of recycled water used on the Bellarine.

The upgrade will save more drinking water for Barwon Water customers, allowing the Portarlington Plant to reuse 100 per cent of its recycled water and present opportunities for more farms and businesses to connect to this valuable resource.

Barwon Water managing director Tracey Slatter said the project would help Barwon Water achieve its Strategy 2030 aim to recycle 100 per cent of the wastewater treated at its water reclamation plants.

The state government will contribute $1.97 million towards the project, $5.53 million from the Commonwealth Government and $3.56 million from Barwon Water.